Composite heat-dissipating module

ABSTRACT

A composite heat-dissipating module includes a heat-dissipating plate, an impeller, and a pump. The heat-dissipating plate includes at least one heat-dissipating section and a circulating pipe. The heat-dissipating section is thermally connected to an object to be dissipated. The circulating pipe contains a liquid coolant that circulates in the circulating pipe. The impeller is mounted adjacent to the heat-dissipating section for driving air to cool the heat-dissipating section. The pump drives the liquid coolant to circulate in the circulating pipe between the pump and the heat-dissipating section for cooling the heat-dissipating section.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to heat-dissipating module. More particularly, the present invention relates to a composite heat-dissipating-module for cooling a heat-generating component.

2. Description of Related Art

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0042173 A1 discloses an electronic apparatus having a circulating path through which liquid coolant cooling a heat generating component flows. Referring to FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings, the electronic apparatus comprises a main unit 91, a display unit 92, a heat receiving portion 93, a heat radiating portion 94, a circulating path 95, an electric fan 96, and a pump 97. The display unit 92 is rotatably connected to the main unit 91 and movable between a closed position and an open position. The heat receiving portion 93 is thermally connected to a heat generating component 911 (such as a CPU) in the main unit 91. The heat radiating portion 94 is mounted in the display unit 92 for releasing the heat generated by the heat generating component 911. A liquid coolant circulates in the circulating path 95 for delivering the heat generated by the heat generating component 911 to the heat radiating portion 94.

The electric fan 96 is mounted in the display unit 92 for guiding cool air to the heat radiating portion 93. The pump 97 is mounted in the main unit 91 and located between the heat receiving portion 93 and the heat radiating portion 94 in the circulating path 95. The pump 97 drives the liquid coolant to flow. When in use, the liquid coolant circulates in the circulating path 95 for dissipating the heat generated by the heat generating component 911. Meanwhile, the liquid coolant and the electric fan 96 together dissipate heat generated by other heat generating component 98 (such as a screen of a liquid crystal display), providing dual heat-dissipating effect (liquid cooling and air cooling).

However, the electric fan 96 and the pump 97 are respectively mounted in the main unit 91 and the display unit 92, occupying a larger space, requiring a longer circulating path 95, and further requiring two motors for separately operating the electric fan 96 and the pump 97. Further, the electric fan 96 can only provide air cooling for the heat radiating portion 94. Namely, the electric fan 96 could not provide air cooling for the heat receiving portion 93. As a result, the composite heat-dissipating module of this type could not be used in a small-size housing of a notebook type personal computer and thus has limited application.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a composite heat-dissipating module that saves the space for assembly and that has a simplified structure.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a composite heat-dissipating module that has a low-energy consuming rate.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a composite heat-dissipating module that has a low risk of leakage of coolant.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A composite heat-dissipating module in accordance with the present invention comprises a heat-dissipating plate, an impeller, and a pump. The heat-dissipating plate comprises at least one heat-dissipating section and a circulating pipe. The at least one heat-dissipating section is adapted to be thermally connected to an object to be dissipated. The circulating pipe is adapted to contain a liquid coolant that circulates in the circulating pipe. The impeller is mounted adjacent to the at least one heat-dissipating section for driving air to cool the at least one heat-dissipating section. The pump drives the liquid coolant to circulate in the circulating pipe between the pump and the at least one heat-dissipating section for cooling the at least one heat-dissipating section.

In an embodiment, the impeller and the pump are superimposed one on the other. The heat-dissipating plate includes two sides each having a receiving section. The receiving sections receive the impeller and the pump respectively. Alternatively, the composite heat-dissipating module comprises a base including two sides each having a receiving section, the receiving sections receiving the impeller and the pump respectively.

In another embodiment, impeller and the pump are mounted side by side. The heat-dissipating plate includes a side having two receiving sections that are in communication with each other. The receiving sections receive the impeller and the pump respectively. Alternatively, the composite heat-dissipating module comprises a base including a side having two receiving sections in communication with each other. The receiving sections receive the impeller and the pump respectively.

Preferably, a driving unit is provided for synchronously driving the impeller and the pump.

Preferably, the driving unit is an axial-flow motor, a radial-flow motor, or a single-phase motor.

Preferably, the driving unit comprises a stator and a rotational portion. The rotational portion is mounted to the impeller. The stator drives the rotational portion and the impeller to turn.

Alternatively, the driving unit comprises a stator and a rotational portion. The rotational portion is mounted on the pump. The stator drives the rotational portion and the pump to turn.

Preferably, a transmission device is provided for the driving unit and includes at least one gear or at least one belt.

In an example, the impeller includes a first transmission plate and the pump including a second transmission plate. The first transmission plate and the second transmission plate constitute the transmission device. Each of the first transmission plate and the second transmission plate includes a periphery with a plurality of teeth for meshing, allowing synchronous rotation of the first transmission plate and the second transmission plate.

In another example, each of the first transmission plate and the second transmission plate includes a periphery having an annular groove. At least one belt is mounted in the annular grooves to allow synchronous rotation of the first transmission plate and the second transmission plate.

In an embodiment, the impeller includes a hub, a plurality of vanes, and a shaft.

Preferably, the vanes are of blower type or axial flow type.

Preferably, the pump includes a rotational board, a plurality of driving board, and a shaft.

Preferably, the pump is a vane pump, gear pump, or swirl pump.

In another embodiment, the impeller includes a hub and a plurality of vanes. The pump includes a rotational board and a plurality of driving boards. The impeller and the pump have a common shaft.

Preferably, the heat-dissipating plate includes a plurality of fins and a plurality of channels alternately disposed on the at least one heat-dissipating section.

In an embodiment, the circulating pipe is mounted inside the heat-dissipating plate.

Alternatively, the circulating pipe is in contact with a side of the heat-dissipating plate.

Preferably, the circulating pipe is winding in the at least one heat-dissipating section.

Preferably, the heat-dissipating plate includes a receiving section, and a lid is mounted to cover the receiving section. The impeller is received in the receiving section, and the lid includes an air inlet facing the impeller.

Other objects, advantages and novel features of this invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an electronic apparatus using a conventional composite heat-dissipating module;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view, partly exploded, of a first embodiment of a composite heat-dissipating module in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2A is an enlarged perspective view, partly cutaway, of a portion of the composite heat-dissipating module in FIG. 2;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a first embodiment of the composite heat-dissipating module in accordance with the present invention after assembly;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along plane 4-4 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view illustrating a second embodiment of the composite heat-dissipating module in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view, partly exploded, of a third embodiment of the composite heat-dissipating module in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view, partly exploded, of a fourth embodiment of the composite heat-dissipating module in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a sectional view, taken along plane 8-8 in FIG. 7, of the composite heat-dissipating module in FIG. 7 after assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 2A, a first embodiment of a composite heat-dissipating module in accordance with the present invention comprises a heat-dissipating plate 1, a lid 2, an impeller 3, a pump 4, and at least one driving unit 5. The composite heat-dissipating module is used to cool at least one object 61, 62, 63 by air cooling and/or liquid cooling. The composite heat-dissipating module can be mounted in a notebook type or desktop type computer or in a casing for other electric devices. The objects 61, 62, and 63 to be dissipated may be high-power integrated circuits, displays, or electric components, such as CPUs, liquid crystal displays, or the processing chips for display cards, drawing cards, or other interface cards. Nevertheless, the composite heat-dissipating module in accordance with the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned fields, and the objects 61, 62, and 63 to be dissipated are not limited to the above. The composite heat-dissipating module in accordance with the present invention can be used in any device that requires heat-dissipation.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 2A, 3, and 4, the heat-dissipating plate 1 in the first embodiment is made of a material with excellent thermal conductivity, such as aluminum, copper, and alloys thereof. The heat-dissipating plate 1 includes at least one heat-dissipating section A, B, a first receiving section 10, a plurality of fins 11, a plurality of channels 12, a circulating pipe 13, and a second receiving section 14. The heat-dissipating sections A and B are contiguous to at least one side of the first receiving section 10. The heat-dissipating sections A and B are thermally connected to the at least one object 61, 62, 63 to be dissipated. The first receiving section 10 is a recessed portion in a first side of the heat-dissipating plate 1 for receiving the impeller 3. The fins 11 and the channels 12 are alternately disposed on the heat-dissipating section A and the heat-dissipating section B for increasing the area for heat exchange. An end of each of the fin 11 and the channels 12 is in communication with the first receiving section 10.

Still referring to FIGS. 2, 2A, 3, and 4, the circulating pipe 13 is mounted inside the heat-dissipating plate 1 or in contact with a second side of the heat-dissipating plate 1 that is opposite to the first side with the first receiving section 10. The circulating pipe 13 is winding in the heat-dissipating sections A and B and allows a liquid coolant to circulate between the heat-dissipating sections A and B and the pump 4 mounted in the second receiving section 14, thereby increasing the heat-exchange area for the liquid coolant. The second receiving section 14 is a recessed portion in the second side of the heat-dissipating plate 1 for receiving the pump 4. By providing the first and second receiving portions 10 and 14 on opposite first and second sides of the heat-dissipating plate 1, the impeller 3 and the pump 4 are superimposed one on the other.

Still referring to FIGS. 2, 2A, 3, and 4, the lid 2 in the first embodiment is engaged on the first receiving section 10. The lid 2 includes an air inlet 21 facing the impeller 3, allowing the impeller 3 to suck air via the air inlet 21 for the purposes of air cooling.

Still referring to FIGS. 2, 2A, 3, and 4, the impeller 3 in the first embodiment includes a hub 31, a plurality of vanes 32, and a shaft 33. The hub 31 is substantially an inverted bowl. The vanes 32 are formed on an outer circumference of the hub 31 at regular intervals. The vanes 32 may be of blower type or axial flow type. An end of the shaft 32 is fixed to a center of an inner face of the hub 31. The other end of the shaft 32 is rotatably mounted in a bottom wall of the first receiving section 10.

Still referring to FIGS. 2, 2A, 3, and 4, the pump 4 in the first embodiment is of vane type, gear type, or swirl type. The pump 4 includes a rotational board 41, a plurality of driving boards 42, and a shaft 43. The rotational board 41 is an annular board of a vane pump or a gear of a gear pump. The driving boards 41 are vanes of a vane pump or teeth of a gear pump for driving liquid coolant. An end of the shaft 43 is fixed to a center of the rotational board 41. The other end of the shaft 43 is rotatably mounted to the bottom wall of the second receiving section 14.

Still referring to FIGS. 2, 2A, 3, and 4, the driving unit 5 in the first embodiment is preferably a motor such as an axial-flow motor or a radial-flow motor. The driving unit 5 includes a stator 51 and a rotational portion 52. The stator 51 is fixed in the first receiving section 10 and housed by the impeller 3. The stator 51 is preferably a motor stator and includes at least one pole plate (not labeled) and at least one coil (not labeled). Electric current is supplied to the coil to create alternating field. The rotational portion 52 is preferably an annular magnet mounted to an inner circumference of the hub 31. Thus, the rotational portion 52 senses the alternating field and drives the impeller 3 to turn. In this embodiment, a single driving unit (motor) 5 is provided, and the shaft 33 of the impeller 3 and the shaft 43 of the pump 4 are made integral as a single, common shaft. Namely, the single, common shaft extends through the heat-dissipating plate 1, with two ends of the common shaft respectively located in the first and second receiving sections 10 and 14. Thus, the driving unit (motor) 5 drives the impeller 3 and the pump 4 to turn synchronously. Alternatively, two separate driving units 5 can be respectively provided in the first and second receiving sections 10 and 14 for independently driving the impeller 3 and the pump 4.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 4, in use, the heat-dissipating plate 1 installed, with the heat-dissipating section A in contact with the object 61 and with the heat-dissipating section B in contact with the objects 62 and 63. When the object 61 generates heat during operation, the driving unit (motor) 5 is turned on to synchronously drive the impeller 3 and the pump 4 via the shafts 33 and 43. The vanes 32 of the impeller 3 drive air from the air inlet 21 into the channels 12 of the heat-dissipating sections A and B, providing the heat-dissipating sections A and B with air cooling. Meanwhile, the drive boards 42 of the pump 4 drives the liquid coolant to circulate in the circulating pipe 13 and the second receiving section 14 to providing the heat-dissipating sections A and B with liquid cooling.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the impeller 3 and the pump 4 provide dual heat-dissipating effect (air/liquid cooling) while saving the space for assembly, simplifying the structure, and reducing energy loss by superimposing the impeller 13 on the pump 4. This allows miniaturization of the electric device containing the objects 61, 62, and 63 to be dissipated. The impeller 3 is preferably superimposed on the pump 4. Nevertheless, the pump 4 can be superimposed on the impeller 3 according to product needs.

FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of the composite heat-dissipating module in accordance with the present invention. Compared to the first embodiment, the shaft 33 of the impeller 3 in this embodiment is separate from the shaft 43 of the pump 4. More specifically, the shaft 33 is rotatably mounted to the bottom wall of the first receiving section 10 whereas the shaft 43 is rotatably mounted to the bottom wall of the second receiving section 14. Further, the driving unit 5 is a single-phase motor. The stator 51 of the driving unit 5 includes at least one flat coil (not labeled). The rotational portion 52 mounted on the inner circumference of the hub 41 of the impeller 3 is a plate-like permanent magnet. The driving unit 5 includes a further rotational portion 53 that is also a plate-like permanent magnet mounted to a surface of the rotational board 41 of the pump 4. After assembly, the rotational portion (permanent magnet) 52 faces a surface of the stator 51 of the driving unit (single-phase motor) 5 whereas the rotational portion (permanent magnet) 53 faces another surface of the stator 51 of the driving unit (single-phase motor) 5.

By this arrangement, when alternating field is created by supplying electric current to the driving unit (single phase motor) 5, the rotational portion 52 of the impeller 3 senses the alternating field and drives the impeller 3 in the first receiving section 10 to turn for driving air for air cooling purposes. Meanwhile, the rotational portion 53 of the pump 4 indirectly senses the alternating field and drives the pump 4 to turn in the second receiving section 14 for driving the liquid coolant for liquid cooling purposes. The second embodiment as a whole not only provides the advantages of dual heat-dissipating effect, saving the space for assembly, simplifying the structure, and reducing energy loss but also prevents leakage of the liquid coolant in the second receiving section 14 via the pivotal joint of the shaft 43. The liquid cooling effect is further enhanced and the life of liquid cooling arrangement is prolonged.

FIG. 6 shows a third embodiment of the composite heat-dissipating module in accordance with the present invention. Compared to the first and second embodiments, the impeller 3 and the pump 4 in this embodiment are placed side by side. Further, a transmission device is provided for the driving unit 5. The transmission device may be gear(s) or belt(s) arrangement. More specifically, the first receiving section 10 and the second receiving section 14 are placed side by side on the same side of the heat-dissipating plate 1. The impeller 3 further includes a first transmission plate 34 and a plurality of ribs 35. The first transmission plate 34 is annular and connected to the outer circumference of the hub 31 via the ribs 35. The vanes 32 are arranged on a surface of the first transmission plate 34. The pump 4 further includes a casing 40 and a second transmission plate 44. The casing 40 is used to seal the pump 4. The casing 40 is supported by the circulating pipe 13 or other support (not shown) so as to be suspended in the second receiving section 14. The shaft 43 of the pump 4 extends out of the casing 40. The second transmission plate 44 is rotatably mounted to an outer side of the casing 40 and has a center coupled with an end of the shaft 43.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the first and second transmission plates 43 and 44 act as the transmission device in the third embodiment. In a case that gears are used as the transmission device, each of the first and second transmission plates 43 and 44 includes teeth (not shown) on a periphery thereof for meshing purposes. Thus, the first transmission plate 34 drives the second transmission plate 44, allowing synchronous rotation of the first and second transmission plates 34 and 44. Alternatively, when belt(s) is(are) used as the transmission device, the first and second transmission plates 34 and 44 includes an annular groove in a periphery thereof, and at least one belt is mounted in the annular grooves so that the first transmission plate 34 drives the second transmission plate 44, allowing synchronous rotation of the first and second transmission plates 34 and 44. The third embodiment as a whole not only provides the advantages of dual heat-dissipating effect, saving the space for assembly, simplifying the structure, and reducing energy loss but also provides design flexibility by changing the positional relationship and transmission relationship between the impeller 3 and the pump 4.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show a fourth embodiment of the composite heat-dissipating module in accordance with the present invention. Compared to the first and second embodiments in which the impeller 3 and the pump 4 are respectively mounted in the first and second receiving sections 10 and 14, the impeller 3 and the pump 4 of this embodiment are firstly mounted to a base 7 (side by side or one superimposed on the other), and at least a side of the base 7 is then attached to the heat-dissipating sections A and B of the heat-dissipating plate 1.

More specifically, the base 7 and the heat-dissipating plate 1 are separate from each other. The base 7 includes a first receiving section 70 and a second receiving section 71. Preferably, the first receiving section 70 and the second receiving section 71 are respectively located on two sides of the base 7. Alternatively, the first receiving section 70 and the second receiving section 71 are located on the same side of the base 7 and in communication with each other (see FIG. 6). The impeller 3 and the driving unit 5 are mounted in the first receiving section 70 whereas the pump 4 is mounted in the second receiving section 71. The circulating pipe 13 is mounted inside the heat-dissipating plate 1 or in contact with the other side of the heat-dissipating plate 1. The circulating pipe 13 is in communication with the second receiving section 71. The base 7 can be fixed to the heat-dissipating sections A and B by welding, screwing, buckling, gluing, etc.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the fourth embodiment as a whole not only provides the advantages of dual heat-dissipating effect, saving the space for assembly, simplifying the structure, and reducing energy loss but also provides design flexibility by allowing separate designs of the specifications of the impeller 3 and the pump 4. Further, referring to FIGS. 2 through 8, the components in the structures of the first through fourth embodiments of the present invention can be selected and combined according to needs.

While the principles of this invention have been disclosed in connection with specific embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that these descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, and that any modification and variation without departing the spirit of the invention is intended to be covered by the scope of this invention defined only by the appended claims. 

1. A composite heat-dissipating module comprising: a heat-dissipating plate comprising at least one heat-dissipating section and a circulating pipe, said at least one heat-dissipating section being adapted to be thermally connected to an object to be dissipated, the circulating pipe being adapted to contain a liquid coolant that circulates in the circulating pipe; an impeller mounted adjacent to said at least one heat-dissipating section for driving air to cool said at least one heat-dissipating section; and a pump mounted adjacent to the impeller, the pump driving the liquid coolant to circulate in the circulating pipe between the pump and said at least one heat-dissipating section for cooling said at least one heat-dissipating section.
 2. The composite heat-dissipating module as claimed in claim 1 wherein the impeller and the pump are superimposed one on the other.
 3. The composite heat-dissipating module as claimed in claim 2 wherein the heat-dissipating plate includes two sides each having a receiving section, the receiving sections receiving the impeller and the pump respectively.
 4. The composite heat-dissipating module as claimed in claim 2 further comprising a base including two sides each having a receiving section, the receiving sections receiving the impeller and the pump respectively.
 5. The composite heat-dissipating module as claimed in claim 1 wherein the impeller and the pump are mounted side by side.
 6. The composite heat-dissipating module as claimed in claim 5 wherein the heat-dissipating plate includes a side having two receiving sections that are in communication with each other, the receiving sections receiving the impeller and the pump respectively.
 7. The composite heat-dissipating module as claimed in claim 5 further comprising a base including a side having two receiving sections in communication with each other, the receiving sections receiving the impeller and the pump respectively.
 8. The composite heat-dissipating module as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a driving unit for synchronously driving the impeller and the pump.
 9. The composite heat-dissipating module as claimed in claim 8 wherein the driving unit is an axial-flow motor, a radial-flow motor, or a single-phase motor.
 10. The composite heat-dissipating module as claimed in claim 9 wherein the driving unit comprises a stator and a rotational portion, the rotational portion being mounted to the impeller, the stator driving the rotational portion and the impeller to turn.
 11. The composite heat-dissipating module as claimed in claim 9 wherein the driving unit comprises a stator and a rotational portion, the rotational portion being mounted on the pump, the stator driving the rotational portion and the pump to turn.
 12. The composite heat-dissipating module as claimed in claim 8 further comprising a transmission device for the driving unit, the transmission device including at least one gear or at least one belt.
 13. The composite heat-dissipating module as claimed in claim 12, wherein the impeller includes a first transmission plate, the pump including a second transmission plate, the first transmission plate and the second transmission plate constituting the transmission device, each of the first transmission plate and the second transmission plate including a periphery with a plurality of teeth for meshing, allowing synchronous rotation of the first transmission plate and the second transmission plate.
 14. The composite heat-dissipating module as claimed in claim 12, wherein the impeller includes a first transmission plate, the pump including a second transmission plate, the first transmission plate and the second transmission plate constituting the transmission device, each of the first transmission plate and the second transmission plate including a periphery having an annular groove, at least one belt being mounted in the annular grooves to allow synchronous rotation of the first transmission plate and the second transmission plate.
 15. The composite heat-dissipating module as claimed in claim 1 wherein the impeller includes a hub, a plurality of vanes, and a shaft.
 16. The composite heat-dissipating module as claimed in claim 15 wherein the vanes are of blower type or axial flow type.
 17. The composite heat-dissipating module as claimed in claim 1 wherein the pump includes a rotational board, a plurality of driving board, and a shaft.
 18. The composite heat-dissipating module as claimed in claim 17 wherein the pump is a vane pump, gear pump, or swirl pump.
 19. The composite heat-dissipating module as claimed in claim 1 wherein the impeller includes a hub and a plurality of vanes, the pump including a rotational board and a plurality of driving boards, the impeller and the pump having a common shaft.
 20. The composite heat-dissipating module as claimed in claim 1 wherein the heat-dissipating plate includes a plurality of fins and a plurality of channels alternately disposed on said at least one heat-dissipating section.
 21. The composite heat-dissipating module as claimed in claim 1 wherein the circulating pipe is mounted inside the heat-dissipating plate.
 22. The composite heat-dissipating module as claimed in claim 1 wherein the circulating pipe is in contact with a side of the heat-dissipating plate.
 23. The composite heat-dissipating module as claimed in claim 1 wherein the circulating pipe is winding in said at least one heat-dissipating section.
 24. The composite heat-dissipating module as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a lid, the heat-dissipating plate including a receiving section, the lid being mounted to cover the receiving section, the impeller being received in the receiving section, the lid including an air inlet facing the impeller. 